Italian Festivals

Italian Festivals are as varied as the landscape. From testosterone-induced combatants donned in period costume in Florence...

...To
the tender religious holidays of Pasqua in Sicily, residents in the
land of sunflowers and olive trees take their festivals very seriously.

These festivals in Italy are a sacred time for families to enjoy a celebration of their heritage.

Calcio Storico FestivalTake Calcio Storico is held in Florence. It is not for the faint of heart.
This is one of the italian festivals not to be missed. Composed of
just under 30 combatants donned in period costume, they parade through
the streets before battling each other in a crazy-type football event.

Climate in ItalyThe climate in Italy
is a dream come true for travelers and retirees alike. Sunlight graces
most parts of the country nearly 300 days a year. Winters are usually
mild and summers are temperate, making the decision to live in Italy a
healthy one.

Retire in ItalyCan you imagine retiring in Italy
to the land of breathtaking landscapes and olive groves? Like
anywhere, living in the center of Italy's major cities is expensive.
Instead, seek out smaller towns where affordable living is just a short
train ride away from most metropolitan areas.

Using a European Rail PassA European Rail Pass
is a great value if you are visiting several spots. Keep in mind that
Europe is extremely condensed and easily traveled by train. Know your
options before purchasing one. Find out how a European Rail Pass works
and how it can best help you.

Italian Festivals from January to April

DATE

HOLIDAY

Jan 1

New Year's Day

January 6th

The Epiphany is a much more celebrated religious holiday than Christmas.

End of February to beginning of March

Carnevale or Mardi Gras is held all over, from Milan and Venice to Tuscany and into the villages of Sicily. This is one of the most celebrated festivals in Italy.

First Sunday in February

This day celebrates the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, Sicily

March 8

The Festa della Donna is when men bring flowers to the women they love.

March 19

The Feast Day of San Giuseppe is the Italian version of Father's Day.

First Week in April

Vinitaly is a reknown international wine trade show for professionals and wine lovers alike.

A week before Easter

Holy Week is a huge religious celebration, especially in Rome where the Pope delivers several masses.

Easter Sunday

This specific Sunday is a Christian Relgious Holiday with many closures of businesses.

Following Easter Mass on Sunday is the Scoppio del Carro fireworks in Florence. This Explosion of the Cart is a procession with fireworks, musicians and flag throwers.

Easter Monday

This day is just as celebrated as Easter Sunday with closures of businesses as well.

April 21st

The City Birthday Celebration is one of the most important Italian festivals.

Although celebrations take place throughout the country, most events are centered in the capital cities of Turin, Florence and Rome.

April 25th

St. Mark's Day is the day men present roses to their loved ones.

April 25th

Liberation Day is a celebration of the day Allied troops liberated Italy during World War II.

Public Holidays in ItalyBe aware that many businesses close
during public holidays in Italy. These holidays are an essential part
of living in Italy and entusiastically celebrated throughout the
regions.

Find out the dates of public holidays here to avoid an unwanted surprise.

Regions of ItalyItaly
is made up of 20 regions--From the cooler areas of the Po Valley in the
north to the sultry Mediterranean spots of the south. Find them all
here.

European Travel TipsGet
useful information on getting around in Europe and staying safe. Learn
the best method for exchanging currency, withdrawing money, and packing
for European travel.

How to Travel Europe by TrainThe
train system in Europe is easy to navigate with a few simple tips. It
makes European travel amazingly simple. Remember that many cities have
more than one train station such as Paris and London. Find out how to
get around and what you can resolve at train ticket station windows.

Italian Festivals from May to July

DATE

HOLIDAY

May 1st

Labor Day is a day that most of the country shuts down.

First Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of May

Calendimaggio is a Festival filled with games, songs, events and citizens in period costumes. Festivals in Italy such as Calendimaggio are extremely fun to watch.

Mid May

The Annual Cricket Festival in Florence provides entertainment, food and music. You will see even crickets being sold in cages.

Forty days after Easter

Christian feast day known as Ascension is a religious holiday.

Throughout June

The Annual Flower Display and the Florence Music Festival are celebrated in Florence.

June 2nd

This is the Anniversary of the Republic in Italy.

June 17th

Pisa’s Festival of St. Ranieri includes boat races.

Sixty days after Easter

Corpus Domini is a procession on a carpet of flowers.

Mid June through the end of August

Verona’s Outdoor Opera is celebrated in the Roman Arena.

June 24th

St. John the Baptist Day is celebrated mostly in Rome, Florence, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore.

Late June to early September

Outdoor Cinema Season is celebrated in Florence.

July through August

This period is known as Opera Season in Verona.

Early July

The Feast of the Redeemer if one of the most appealing Italian festivals with beautifully decorated boats and fireworks.

July 2nd

This day reveals the Palio horse race in Siena along with medieval parades.

July 15th

The Festival of Madonna del Carmine is held in Naples.

Cruise Packing TipsFollow
these cruise packing tips to avoid ruining your vacation. A
pre-departure cruise check list is essential. So is scanning important
documents and emailing them to yourself before you board.

First Time Cruise TipsLearn
vital strategies when going on that cruise vacation including what you
must bring in your carry-on and how to choose your cabin.

CHEAP EUROPEAN TRAVEL RESOURCES

Affordable TravelUse simple strategies for Cheap travel abroad
such as staying at hostels or bed and breakfast inns. They are cheaper
and very common in Europe and South America. And remember to pocket
plenty of extra passport pictures for obtaining visas when crossing
borders.

Budget European Travel TipsEurope is a magical place. But it can get quite expensive. Unless you know all the things to do in Europe for free...from a stunning view of Paris to free concerts in Amsterdam.

Backpack through EuropeBackpacking through Europe
is an affordable way to discover what this magical continent has to
offer. Find out what to pack, how to get around, and what size your
backpack should be.

When to Travel Europe by CarIt's relatively simple to travel Europe by car
nowadays. You can drop off your rental in a different city and even in a
different country. Just make sure to ask your European car rental
agency about any fees beforehand.

Italian Festivals from August to December

DATE

HOLIDAY

On or around August 15th

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a religious holiday held throughout Italy.

End of August

International Film Festivalis is celebrated in Venice.

First Saturday and Sunday of September

The Historical Regatta in Florence includes old time boats and pageantry.

September 19

San Gennaro is held twice a year in Naples to celebrate the patron saint of Naples.

All through October

Musica dei Popoli Festival in Florence includes folk music and dance.

November 1st

All Saints’ Day is a highly celebrated religious holiday for which there are closures.

November 21st

Feast of Our Lady of Good Health is a Thanksgiving festival held in Venice.

December 8th

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a religious holiday for which there are closures.

December 25th

Christmas

December 26th

St. Stephen’s Day festival is a religious holiday.

All through December

Christmas Market is held in Rome on Piazza Navona.

These are only a few of the many Italian festivals and celebrations.
Be sure to check for precise dates if you are planning a trip around a
specific festival in Italy.